To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whom he has consulted on the proposed move of the FCO Legalisation Office; and what effect he anticipates such a move will have on the costs applied to users. (155048)

A final decision has yet to be taken on the relocation of the Legalisation Office. Officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) met with a large group of around 40 representatives from a cross-section of the Legalisation Office's customers in the FCO on 3 July. The background and reasons why the Legalisation Office needed to be moved from its current location were discussed in great detail. An option of moving the Legalisation Office to Milton Keynes was raised and attendees at the meeting were given the opportunity to comment on the proposal. As a result of the views expressed at this meeting, the record of which has been shared with those in attendance and others, and subsequent smaller meetings with other interested parties, such as the Confederation of British Industry, further consideration is being given to the available options.

Until a decision on where the Legalisation Office will be based has been taken, the costs to users cannot be determined. However, any new fees would be in accordance with HM Treasury guidelines.